Is a Freshman Seminar more work than others class?
What kind of credit will a receive for taking a Freshman Seminar?
Do I have to take a Freshman Seminar?
Does taking a Freshman Seminar mean I'll be taking an extra class?
How do I sign up for a Freshman Seminar?
Can I wait until the spring semester to take a Freshman Seminar?
Can I register for more than one Freshman Seminar?
Who can answer other questions that I have?
A Freshman Seminar is a small class (no more than 20 students) open only to first-year students. The subject matter of the course will be similar to what students in regular sections of the course study. In addition, however, the instructor of a freshman seminar will help you to understand what is expected of you as a college student. There is much less emphasis on listening to lectures and memorizing facts. Instead there are likely to be frequent class discussion, writing exercises, and other activities to help you begin to THINK like a college student. Since the class is small and there is a great deal of interaction, you will get to know your professor and the other students on a much more personal basis. Most classes will also include trips or other activities outside of class. BACK TO TOP
Is a Freshman Seminar more work than other classes?
Obviously, all classes are different, but freshman seminars are not designed to be more or less work than other Rutgers classes. More time may be spent developing the basic skills of college work, but the overall workload should be approximately the same as other classes.BACK TO TOP
What kind of credit will I receive for taking a Freshman Seminar?
Freshman Seminars are regular credit course offered by different departments. They count exactly the same as other sections of the same course that are not Freshman Seminars. BACK TO TOP
Do I have to take a Freshman Seminar?
No. The Freshman Seminar is not
required. In fact, there are not enough places for every freshman.
Students will be placed in the seminars on
a first-come, first-serve basis in response to the e-mail invitation you
should have received. Although we believe that the Freshman
Seminars are a great opportunity for first-year students, you may also
decide to enroll in other classes instead.BACK
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Does taking a Freshman Seminar mean I'll be taking an extra class?
Not necessarily. Your Freshman
Seminar is a regular part of your class schedule, whether you choose to
take 4 or 5 courses. Four courses (12 credits) is the minimum
number you must take as a full-time student. However, most
students at Rutgers take five courses (15 credits) per semester, since
that is what is necessary for you to graduate on time in four years.
Ordinarily, your dean of advising will prepare a suggested schedule of
four courses for you. Ideally, you will select your last (5th)
class on your own, which may be a Freshman Seminar (recommended) or any
other regular Rutgers class that is open to freshmen. Even
if you only want to take four courses, it is still recommended that you
consider a Freshman Seminar as a substitute for one of the four courses
that have been pre-selected for you.
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How do I sign up for a Freshman Seminar?
You can sign up for a place in a Freshman Seminar by contacting Dean Nancy Gulick at the the Student Affairs Office (nvgulick@rutgers.edu) or the Professor Stuart Charmé, Director of the Freshman Seminar Program (scharme@rutgers.edu) Please tell them your first and second choices. BACK TO TOP
Can I wait until the spring semester to take a Freshman Seminar?
No. Currently, Freshman Seminars
are only offered during the fall semester.
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Can I register for more than one Freshman Seminar?
Possibly. First preference in all classes is given to students enrolling for their first seminar. A limited amount of space may be available for students who wish to register for a second seminar. You should check with the staff in the Advising Office (2nd floor of Armitage Hall). BACK TO TOP
Who can answer other questions that I have?
If you have other questions, you can contact
Professor Stuart Charme (Director of Freshman Seminars). The
easiest thing is to send him an email (scharme@camden.rutgers.edu)
Or you may contact Dean Nancy Gulick in the advising office (nvgulick@camden.rutgers.edu)
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